The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for the establishment of permanent benches of the Karnataka High Court at Dharwad and Gulbarga districts.
Establishment of Permanent Benches of the Karnataka High Court at Dharwad and Gulbarga would facilitate better access for justice to litigants of the Districts, covered under the jurisdiction of the Dharwad and Gulbarga Benches. It will also help in speedy disposal of cases with consequent reduction in pendency in the High Court.
The requisite infrastructure facilities have been created by the state government for establishment of the permanent benches.
At present, Judges are sitting at Circuit Benches on a rotational basis for one month. To avoid inconvenience to judges, advocates and litigants, the Circuit Benches at Dharwad and Gulbarga are proposed to be made permanent.
In the state of Karnataka, the Principal Bench is at Bangalore. Two circuit Benches were notified at Dharwad and Gulbarga and these have been functioning since 7th July, 2008. The State had a sanctioned strength of 41 Judges in 2008 and it has now been increased to 50 Judges with effect from 30th November, 2009. Out of them, 6 or 7 Judges are currently sitting at the Circuit Bench at Dharwad and 4-3 Judges are sitting at the Circuit Bench at Gulbarga on rotation basis.
For the functioning of the Circuit Benches, the Government of Karnataka has constructed new buildings by providing Rs. 108.24 crore and Rs. 79.65 crore for construction at Dharwad and Gulbarga respectively. All the infrastructural facilities have been made available, which include court halls, quarters for judges and staff quarters. The State has sanctioned 190 positions of officers / officials to work for the Dharwad Circuit Bench and 157 officers / officials to work for the Gulbarga Circuit Bench.
The proposal to make the Circuit Benches permanent has been approved by both the State Government and Chief Justice of the High Court.
